Regulations Concerning Pitch Inspections

[SWP Web-Master]

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION DIRECTIVE

Recommended procedure for the guidance of Clubs and Referees
in determining the suitability of grounds in adverse weather conditions
Each Club must take every precaution to ensure that its ground is in a fit playing condition.

When the regional weather conditions are known to be extreme (e.g. prolonged severe frost, clear water logging or heavy snow) then the game can be postponed at the discretion of the League following consultation with the League Secretary, League Rules will apply; this is not an issue for the match day Referee. Should a Competition decide to agree to an early postponement under such circumstances there will be no requirement for a pitch inspection.

In all other circumstances and subject to the time and travelling distance, the match Referee should be called in to make a decision. In the event of the match Referee being unable to carry out the inspection, the Home Club must select an alternative Referee listed within the National List of Supply Referees (Level 4) or in exceptional cases a senior level 5 or a member of the list of assessors.
If a specific League Rule exists where the timing of a pitch inspection is stated, this will apply but is a League issue only. The South West Peninsula League Rules do not list a time as such but requires inspections to be carried out on the day of the match and in such time as to prevent unnecessary travelling of the away team.

Prior to reaching a decision the Referee who is making the inspection must:
o Consult with the match Referee prior to the inspection
o Consult with the match Referee during / after the inspection to mutually
agree on a decision prior to notifying the Home Club Secretary and the League Secretary.

Prior to reaching a decision the Referee who is making the inspection should consider the following:
o Whether or not the ground (playing area) is dangerous (e.g. ice / frost)
o Whether or not that the spectator standing areas are dangerous (e.g. ice / frost)
o Whether or not conditions are or could turn farcical
o The views of the Home Club Groundsman in terms of local knowledge
and draining capabilities in the event of standing water
o The existing condition of the playing surface in conjunction with the
prevailing weather conditions as previously confirmed with the local
weather authority
o Inspect thoroughly - use a ball, and playing staff if necessary
o Fog creates its' own problems - check forecast (remember that there is a responsibility to paying spectators)
o When dealing with such elements as frost or ice - remember that the
highest temperature of the day is usually around mid-day. Get a forecast if necessary of the projected temperature for the time when the match is due to conclude
o The manpower available to the Home Club to carry out any necessary
work to make the ground playable
o The time the visiting Club are due to commence their journey
o Liaise with Managers BUT the decision as to whether the match is played
is yours

If after consultation with the match Referee, the ground is declared fit and the away Clubs instructed to travel, then only in exceptional circumstances should the match Referee reverse the decision.
If an early inspection has not been carried out and the match Referee arrives at the ground to find the playing conditions in doubt due to unexpected deterioration in the weather, he should first consider as many of the above points before committing himself to a decision.